San Anselmo, California
San Anselmo, California, offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities. The Sorich Ranch Park trail is a top choice for hikers, with its scenic views of rolling hills and diverse wildlife. The trail isn't too challenging, making it suitable for most fitness levels. For a more challenging hike, the Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve offers steep inclines, rushing waterfalls, and towering redwoods. The San Anselmo Creek runs through both parks, offering opportunities for fishing and bird-watching. The Robson-Harrington Park is another must-visit, with its beautifully maintained gardens, historic buildings, and picnic areas. For outdoor adventures, try mountain biking in the Mount Tamalpais Watershed or paddleboarding on the Corte Madera Creek. These activities and attractions make San Anselmo a top destination for outdoor fun.
Top Spots in and near San Anselmo
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Monte Rio, California
Islands in the Sky Vista Loop
4.03.83 mi / 883 ft gainThe Islands in the Sky Vista Loop in Monte Rio, California, is a moderately challenging hiking trail. Spanning approximately 3.83 miles, the loop offers a variety of terrain, including forested areas, open meadows, and rocky outcrops. The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it suitable fo...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Watch the Sunset at Martin's Beach
4.5Martin's Beach is a beach about 7 miles south of Half Moon Bay. It features a large, very cool looking rock formation right off the coast. This beach is accessible via Martin's Beach Road, which is a small turn off on your right when southbound on Highway 1, though sometimes the road is only open...Read more -
Woodside, California
Hike through Wunderlich County Park
5.04.5 mi / 1400 ft gainLocated in the iconic Silicon Valley town of Woodside, Wunderlich County Park offers a number of hiking trails as well as some horseback riding trails through the wilderness. Once in the parking lot, you will see a number of stables, riding ring, as well as a beautiful historic stable that was o...Read more -
Sonoma County, California
Red Hill and Pomo Canyon Loop
4.84.73 mi / 981 ft gainPark in the Shell Beach parking lot, north of Bodega Bay proper but just south of Goat Rock State Beach on Highway 1. Cross the road to pick up the Dr. David C. Joseph Memorial Trail heading up away from the ocean. Follow the trail, staying right toward Red Hill. (The trail forks off down Pomo Ca...Read more -
Calistoga, California
Hike the Oat Hill Mine Trail
5.08.3 miThe incline on this trail begins pretty much right away and is fairly gradual for the entire hike, some of it is quite rocky, making this an easy to moderate level hike. However, with some shade (probably wouldn't attempt it on a hot summer day) and the sweeping views of the valley that get bette...Read more -
Calistoga, California
Hike Bald Hill in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
3.2 mi / 1200 ft gainBald Hill is the first serious peak/summit that can be reached via the Oat Hill Mine Trail as it breaks from the more popular loop and heads into the heart of Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. To get there you can either begin at the less frequently used trailhead at Picket and Rosedale Roads he...Read more -
Livermore, California
Condor, Volvan, Stone Corral, Coyote Loop
4.54.38 mi / 620 ft gainThis regional preserve is perfect for day hikes. There are also designated campsites and even a backpack campsite. Horses and dogs are welcome in the preserve. There are many different clearly marked trails that one can choose from. A good 4.5 mile loop is to start at the Park Residence entrance...Read more -
Guerneville, California
Johnson's Beach
Johnson's Beach is a public beach located on the Russian River in Guerneville, California.Read more -
Jenner, California
Bouldering at Lamb's Rock, Sunset Boulders
5.0Lamb Boulder, located within the "Sunset Boulders" collection, contains four fun and challenging V2 - V6 bouldering routes. They are: Calambity: V6Rock Scar: V3+Skullcracker: V2 RThe Specialist: V4 Lamb Boulder is located directly across from the Sunset Boulder itself and its trad routes. To get ...Read more -
Jenner, California
Bouldering at Sunset Boulders
5.00.6 miYou can see the boulders off the left side of the road. Couple of different pullouts you can park at to start your approach. It’s about half a mile from the road all downhill. It’s easy going when you’re on your way, but kind of a pain after you’re whooped from climbing. Bouldering, high balls, ...Read more -
Fremont, California
Lake Elizabeth Loop
3.02.1 mi / 69 ft gainLake Elizabeth is located in central Fremont. It offers a nice break from the city streets and can be enjoyed by walkers, joggers, and bikers alike. It is a park for all ages. Other attractions include volleyball nets, multiple playgrounds, and aqua adventure park, geese, and peddle boats. ...Read more -
Sunol, California
Hike the Pleasanton Ridge Trail
4.36.4 mi / 1443 ft gainPleasanton Ridge Trail is a 6.4 mile loop. The loop is shared by dog walkers, trail runners, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. From the ridge your viewpoints will include Mount Diablo and the San Francisco Bay. This hike from the Foothills Staging Area is an excellent introduction ...Read more -
Stanford, California
Sunset Picnic at Kite Hill
4.0Kite Hill is nothing more than what the name describes. A simple ascent less than 100 feet in elevation. But that 100 feet is all you need to feel like you discovered a little escape from the buzz below.To get there, you can park directly at the base of Kite Hill along Peter Coutts Rd and simply ...Read more -
Winters, California
Homestead & Blue Ridge Loop
5.04.46 mi / 1299 ft gainAt the bend in the road on Highway 128, you will pass two silver gates. The gate with the UC Davis logo is the entrance to the trailhead. Past the entrance there is a large dirt pullout off the road with plenty of parking. Starting at the trailhead, go left in the fork to start the loop trail. T...Read more -
Winters, California
Hike the Stebbins Cold Canyon Loop
4.04.5 mi / 350 ft gainStebbins Cold Canyon is a great day hike for all skill levels, accessible year round, and offers an abundance of wild flower viewing, including the California poppy. Tog get to the hike, head about 8 miles west of Winters, CA, where a silver fire gate marks the main entrance to the Stebbins Cold ...Read more -
Stanford, California
Stanford Dish Loop
4.43.67 mi / 472 ft gainIf you live in the Palo Alto area and are looking for a place to hike or run, The Dish is a close, and great way to get that exercise. Located right on the corner of Stanford Ave and Junipero Serra, you'll see that small gated entrance right when you drive on by. As far as parking goes, you're le...Read more
